After shaking up the Philippine broadcasting industry and expanding its reach to key cities all over the country, TV5 is launching two international channels that will give Filipinos overseas access to the network’s most popular programs.

The two new channels – Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International – are being run by the network’s affiliate company Pilipinas Global Network, Ltd. (PGN Ltd.), a British Virgin Islands company which is 60-percent owned by PLDT and 40-percent owned by ABC Development Corporation. The channels will initially be available to television viewers in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.

“Our vision is to build a global community of subscribers who wish to remain connected with their Filipino roots. We shall provide our global Kapatids a bundle of services that will bring them even closer to their loved ones back home,” said Claro P. Carmelo Ramirez, President of PGN, Ltd.

Aksyon TV International is a news, information, public service and sports channel that will air News5 programs Aksyon, Aksyon Journalismo, Andar ng mga Balita, Tutok Tulfo, Wanted, Dokumentado, USI, Public Atorni, Alagang Kapatid, Cristy Ferminute, Duelo, Kalibre 41, and other TV5 news and public affairs programs. It will also carry local sports programs from AKTV (TV5’s primetime sports block on IBC-13).

Aside from these two channels, PGN Ltd. will also distribute TV5’s programs to other broadcasters and channels in the various continents, both for Filipino and non-Filipino viewers.

Pilipinas Global Network, Ltd. also announced its entry into the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa through its partner, Orbit Showtime Network (OSN), a subscription television service in these territories which broadcasts channels in Arabic, English, and Filipino languages. OSN was founded through a merger between Orbit Communications Company and Showtime Arabia. Its headquarters is located in Dubai Media City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

“We are very happy to welcome Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International to the OSN platform,” said David Butorac, CEO of OSN. “The entry of these two premium Filipino channels further cements our drive to provide the best Philippine news and entertainment to our Filipino subscribers in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.”